Module 1: Ask Effective Questions Answers (Part 2: Q16–30)
This is Part 2 of the Module 1 quiz answers for “Ask Effective Questions” from the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera.
Here, we’ll walk through questions 16 to 30 with detailed explanations to support your learning.
To find answers to the remaining questions, check out the full module breakdown below:
16. The spotting something unusual problem type could involve which of the following scenarios?
- A data insight helps a landscaping company envision what will happen in the future.
- A data analyst at an arts nonprofit classifies similar data points into groups for further analysis.
- A data analyst working for an agricultural company examines why a dataset has a surprising and rare data point. ✅
- A data analyst at a clothing retailer creates a list of common topics, categorizes them, and groups each category into a broader subject area for further analysis.
Explanation:
The spotting something unusual problem type focuses on identifying and analyzing anomalies or outliers in data. For example, a rare or unexpected data point in an agricultural dataset may indicate a potential issue, such as equipment failure or a unique environmental factor.
17. A data analyst at an online retailer works with historical sales data. The analyst identifies repeating trends in the sales data. This is an example of which problem type?
- Making predictions
- Identifying themes
- Categorizing things
- Finding patterns ✅
Explanation:
Identifying repeating trends in historical sales data is an example of finding patterns. This problem type involves recognizing consistent behaviors, trends, or cycles in data, which can provide insights for decision-making or predictions.
Test your knowledge on crafting effective questions
Practice Quiz
18. A data analyst uses the SMART methodology to create a question that encourages change. This type of question can be described how?
- Stimulating
- Action-oriented ✅
- Results-focused
- Motivational
Explanation:
In the SMART methodology, action-oriented questions focus on prompting actionable changes or results. These questions are structured to drive measurable and impactful outcomes.
19. A time-bound SMART question specifies which of the following parameters?
- The era, phase, or period of analysis ✅
- The metrics or measures related to the analysis
- The topic or subject of the analysis
- The desired change the analysis should produce
Explanation:
The “time-bound” aspect of SMART questions ensures that the analysis or goal is tied to a specific timeframe. This allows for tracking progress and achieving results within a defined period.
20. A data analyst working for a mid-sized retailer is writing questions for a customer experience survey. One of the questions is: “Do you prefer online or in-store?” Then, they rewrite it to say: “Do you prefer shopping at our online marketplace or shopping at your local store?” Describe why this is a more effective question.
- The first question is leading, whereas the second question could have many different answers.
- The first question is closed-ended, whereas the second question encourages the respondent to elaborate.
- The first question is vague, whereas the second question includes important context. ✅
- The first question contains slang that might not make sense to everyone, whereas the second question is easily understandable.
Explanation:
The revised question adds clarity by specifying “online marketplace” and “local store,” helping respondents understand the context. The original question lacks these details, making it less effective for data collection.
21. A data analyst at a social media company is creating questions for a focus group. They use common abbreviations such as PLS for “please” and LMK for “let me know.” This is fair because the participants use social media a lot and are likely to be technically savvy.
- True
- False ✅
Explanation:
Using abbreviations or jargon can cause misunderstandings, even if participants are familiar with them. Writing questions with clear, straightforward language ensures inclusivity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
*Weekly challenge 1*
Graded Quiz
22. Structured thinking involves which of the following processes? Select all that apply.
- Revealing gaps and opportunities ✅
- Recognizing the current problem or situation ✅
- Organizing available information ✅
- Asking SMART questions
Explanation:
Structured thinking is about logically breaking down a situation, organizing the known information, recognizing the issue, and spotting any missing elements or opportunities to improve.
23. A data analyst creates data visualizations and a slideshow. Which phase of the data analysis process does this describe?
- Prepare
- Act
- Share ✅
- Process
Explanation:
Visualizations and presentations are part of the “Share” phase, where analysts communicate their findings to stakeholders.
24. A recycling center that sponsors a podcast about saving the environment is an example of what strategy?
- Defining the problem to be solved
- Making recommendations
- Staying on budget
- Trying to reach a target audience ✅
Explanation:
This is a marketing strategy aimed at connecting with environmentally conscious listeners—i.e., their target audience.
25. A data analyst is working for a local power company. Recently, many new apartments have been built in the community, so the company wants to determine how much electricity it needs to produce for the new residents in the future. A data analyst uses data to help the company make a more informed forecast. This is an example of which problem type?
- Spotting something unusual
- Discovering connections
- Making predictions ✅
- Identifying themes
Explanation:
The analyst is using data to predict future needs, which falls under the “Making predictions” category.
26. Describe the key difference between the problem types of categorizing things and identifying themes.
- Categorizing things involves determining how items are different from each other. Identifying themes brings different items back together in a single group.
- Categorizing things involves assigning grades to items. Identifying themes involves creating new classifications for items.
- Categorizing things involves taking inventory of items. Identifying themes deals with creating labels for items.
- Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories. Identifying themes takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader themes. ✅
Explanation:
Categorizing sorts individual items, while identifying themes looks for overarching patterns or connections between categories.
27. Which of the following examples are leading questions? Select all that apply.
- What do you enjoy most about our service? ✅
- How did you learn about our company?
- In what ways did our product meet your needs? ✅
- How satisfied were you with our customer representative? ✅
Explanation:
These questions guide the respondent toward a positive answer. They assume satisfaction rather than asking neutrally.
28. The question, “Why don’t our employees complete their timesheets each Friday by noon?” is not action-oriented. Which of the following questions are action-oriented and more likely to lead to change? Select all that apply.
- What functionalities would make our timesheet web page more user-friendly? ✅
- What features could we add to our calendar app as a weekly timesheet reminder to employees? ✅
- How could we simplify the time-keeping process for our employees? ✅
- Why don’t employees prioritize filling out their timesheets by noon on Fridays?
Explanation:
These questions focus on solutions and improvements, rather than just identifying the problem.
29. On a customer service questionnaire, a data analyst asks, “If you could contact our customer service department via chat, how much valuable time would that save you?” Why is this question unfair?
- It is closed-ended
- It uses slang words that not everyone can understand
- It is vague
- It makes assumptions ✅
Explanation:
The question assumes that chat would definitely save time, which might not be true for all users.
30. Organizing available information and revealing gaps and opportunities are part of what process?
- Identifying connections between two or more things
- Categorizing things
- Using structured thinking ✅
- Applying the SMART methodology
Explanation:
These actions are fundamental to structured thinking, which helps to understand and solve problems clearly.
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